India U19 international Brandon Fernandes has returned to South Africa to re-join ASD Cape Town after promising trials at Reading FC and Leicester City FC.
Brandon has able to impress the coaching staff at both clubs, but they have decided not to sign the Indian youngster at this stage.
Several English Premier League and Championship clubs will closely monitor Brandon’s progress according to an official release by ASD Cape Town on Monday.
“Brandon’s stay in the UK has attracted global attention. The feedback from both clubs has been fantastic, and the Development Coach at Leicester in particular couldn’t speak more highly of Brandon’s technical ability, saying he is one of the strongest trialists they have ever had from a technical perspective,” Mike Steptoe (Director, ASD Cape Town) told.
“Brandon has excelled. He has shown Europe that India most certainly does have talent, and the next 12 months are likely to be very exciting for him, and indeed Indian soccer,” Steptoe continued. “None of these things happen overnight, and Brandon will resume training with ASD’s SAFA 2 squad for the time being.”
“He only turned 18 a few weeks ago, and given that we aren’t even in the official football shop window yet, he has time on his side. Leicester City believed this to be the best course of action, and they, along with two other English clubs, will be monitoring his progress.”
“A professional contract in Europe remains a very realistic target. This is only the beginning for Brandon,” Steptoe concluded.